NAIROBI, Kenya- The government has intensified Ebola preparedness measures at the country’s main international gateway, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, as health authorities seek to strengthen the country’s capacity to detect and respond to potential public health threats.
According to Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, an assessment conducted at the airport reviewed critical areas of readiness, including passenger screening systems, thermal scanners, isolation facilities, laboratory preparedness, aircraft surveillance, wastewater monitoring, and emergency response coordination.
The PS said the evaluation forms part of the Ministry of Health’s broader strategy to prevent the importation and spread of Ebola and other emerging infectious diseases through Kenya’s borders.
“We have strengthened preparedness against Ebola at JKIA, Kenya’s busiest port of entry, to enhance the country’s ability to detect and respond to potential public health threats,” Muthoni said.
She praised frontline health workers stationed at ports of entry, noting that their commitment remains vital in safeguarding the health and safety of Kenyans and international travellers.
Although Kenya has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case, the government has continued to scale up preventive measures across the country.
These include enhanced screening at points of entry, deployment of additional health officers, expansion of laboratory diagnostic capacity, faster specimen processing, strengthened disease surveillance systems, and maintenance of rapid response mechanisms.
The latest measures come amid heightened regional vigilance following recent Ebola-related alerts in parts of East Africa, prompting countries to bolster surveillance and preparedness systems.
Health authorities said surveillance has been reinforced across air, sea, and land border points to ensure early detection and swift containment of any suspected case.
The Ministry of Health has also urged members of the public to remain vigilant by observing proper hand hygiene, seeking medical attention when unwell, and relying on official government communication channels for accurate health information.
“Preparedness, vigilance and coordinated action remain our strongest defence against Ebola and other emerging public health threats,” Muthoni said.
Kenya has previously demonstrated its ability to respond to disease outbreaks through coordinated public health interventions, and officials say continued preparedness remains essential in protecting lives and maintaining public confidence in the country’s health systems.
